Bill > HB4567

This bill, known as the Ban-the-Box Act, prohibits public employers in West Virginia from asking job applicants to disclose information about their criminal record or history until after the applicant has signed a waiver, been considered for a specific position, and received an interview. If a criminal history is revealed, the employer must consider factors such as the nature and gravity of the offense, the time elapsed, the applicant's age at the time, the relevance of the offense to the job, and information on the applicant's rehabilitation. The bill does not apply to positions that require a criminal history inquiry by law, such as law enforcement, or to the practice of law. The bill encourages similar hiring practices among local governments and private employers in the state.